Take a look at our January newsletter!
The Medlin News
JANUARY 2023
DON’T FORGET TO FEATHER THE CLUTCH! MY EXPERIENCE DRIVING A STICK SHIFT
According to the U.S. News and World Report, only 18% of U.S. drivers know how to drive a stick shift (manual) car. However, when I was growing up, almost everyone had manual cars. When I was 15, I learned how to drive a stick shift, and I had a bumpy ride — literally! — when I started behind the wheel. I didn’t know there was so much hand and foot coordination when I first began driving. I had to hold the clutch down as I shifted into different gears and feather the clutch, the gas pedal, and the brake pedal when stopping and starting. If you didn’t go through the motions correctly, you’d either stall out and have to crank the car on again or jolt and lunge forward as you take your foot off the clutch and accelerate. Both of these instances have happened to me many times, and it was always nerve-wracking! One of the most challenging things you will face in a manual vehicle is feathering the clutch on a hill, then trying to accelerate from a dead stop. Everything is calm when you’re practicing in a parking lot and going through the motions, but as soon as you’re out on the road with other drivers, the pressure builds up, and you may become stressed.
We were on an uphill incline, and it was my turn to go. When you let your foot off the brake to press the gas pedal, your car will begin going backward as you release the clutch and accelerate. I didn’t get to the gas pedal fast enough, and the car started to go in reverse. I was panicking and immediately put my foot back on the brake. I was so close to hitting the car behind me — thankfully, I stopped the car at the right time. The panic on my dad’s face as he continuously moved his head around to see if his car was damaged was priceless. While I can laugh at this memory now, it was pretty terrifying for a 15-year-old to endure. I don’t even remember how we got out of the situation because I couldn’t go forward — if I had tried, I would’ve hit the car behind me! Another time, my father and I were driving through the countryside. I like taking the backroads because they aren’t as many cars around you and you can cruise. Unfortunately, I was rolling a little too hard on this road because there was an intersection coming up that I needed to turn right at. I was coming in way too hot at this intersection, and my dad had his hand on the emergency brake the entire
time just in case he needed to activate it. Thankfully, I was able to get control of the vehicle, and I took the turn smoothly. While I had a few bumps in the road as I learned how to drive, I got the hang of driving a manual, and it became second nature to me. But I couldn’t have gained confidence in my driving abilities if it weren’t for my father. While I knew he was sometimes scared, he was patient with me and gave me a lot of knowledge and insight. I’m interested to see what it will be like when Nadia starts driving. Thankfully, we won’t be operating a manual! In honor of January being Teen Driving Awareness Month, take some time to speak with your children about the importance of driver safety. Discuss the risks and dangers distracted driving can have on them, their families, and others. While it’s always terrifying as a parent to think about
your child driving and getting into an accident, we can equip them with the abilities and
knowledge they need to be confident and prepared behind the wheel. – Gary L. Medlin, Esq.
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ANOTHER CHANCE TO GET IT RIGHT
WITH FOCUS AND SUPPORT!
Create an accountability system. Consider choosing a trusted person — personally or professionally — to check in periodically to see how you are progressing on your goals. This way, they can offer encouragement, brainstorm ideas, and hold you accountable for sticking with it. Putting thoughts on paper is also a great way to hold yourself accountable! In a journal, you can write down everything you want to accomplish within a set time frame and continuously check off the things you finish! Strive for progress, not perfection. Striving for perfection can derail your progress in the long run, so it’s important to frame your goals in terms of knowledge, networks, and experiences you collect along the path to success. No one is perfect, and everyone has setbacks along their road to success. Still, if you set your sights on the goals and take it one step at a time, you are that much closer to achievement.
New Year’s resolutions and goals seem to be on everyone’s radar, but they cannot be achieved without action! Resolutions tend to get a bad rap because of how many people fail to get past January before they give up altogether. So, it may be time to take a new approach! Start with a specific goal. Millions of people resolve to lose weight, be more productive, or give up bad habits for the new year. But instead of choosing a general, ambiguous goal, focus on something more concrete you can realistically measure and achieve! What about that new promotion, career opportunity, or even an advanced degree? Getting specific on how the goal is essential to your career will get you past the inevitable obstacles and failures. It will be worth the time, energy, and heart you invest in a career enhancement. Commit to developing your networks. Your professional network influences your career potential. You don’t have to attend every event and mixer, but choosing a few opportunities to connect with others or meet new people can be a building block of your resolution. Get those events on your calendar for a greater chance of sticking with the plan!
With the right tools, focus, and support, you can stick with your New Year’s resolutions and make this year the best!
Why Hire an Immigration Lawyer? 3 WAYS WE CAN ASSIST YOU
You shouldn’t need to go through the immigration process alone. But unfortunately, many individuals and families do. Searching for the benefits you qualify for, filling out the applications
you can apply for, updates for DACA recipients, and other areas that are frequently being modified and reviewed. These updates can affect the forms you complete, the necessary documents you need to have, and your eligibility. Our immigration lawyers can ensure you stay updated on recent immigration developments and fill out the correct forms accurately the first time. We provide valuable information for your criminal defense attorney. While our immigration lawyers can assist you with matters such as obtaining and renewing a visa and helping you with various forms, they can also provide information to your criminal defense attorney if you have other charges on file. From an immigration standpoint, there are other consequences you could face on criminal charges. But an immigration attorney can suggest alternative ways to eliminate or reduce those consequences. Here at Medlin Law Firm, our immigration attorneys do more than help you fill out forms — we can help you achieve your goals and create a better life for you and your loved ones. If you or someone you know is going through the immigration process or needs assistance with their criminal charges, call us today to see what your options are and how we can help you.
and forms correctly, and collecting the required documents is a complex, time-consuming, and expensive process. You could make a costly mistake that can set you and your family back tremendously. Thankfully, you don’t have to go through this process alone.
Here are three ways our immigration lawyers can assist you during this time.
We can help you discover your options. Depending on your situation, native country, immigration history, and reasons for coming to the U.S., there are different pathways and benefits you can take. With our help, we will review your unique circumstances and find the benefits you qualify for. We will then outline the advantages and disadvantages of each of your options and help you pick the best one for you and your family. We keep you updated on the latest immigration forms. Immigration policies are constantly changing, and it can be hard to keep up with them on your own. There are many different visas
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Learn More About the King of Rock and Roll On Jan. 8, Elvis Presley would’ve been 88 years old. He is known as the king of rock and roll and left a lasting legacy on music. Without him, who knows what our music would sound like today? In honor of his birthday and groundbreaking music, here are five facts about Elvis Presley that you may not know. 1. Elvis had a twin. Just 35 minutes before Elvis was born, his identical brother, Jesse Garon, was born. Unfortunately, Jesse was stillborn and buried in an unmarked grave in Priceville Cemetery. While Elvis grew up as an only child, he spoke about his twin brother throughout his entire life. 2. Black is not his natural hair color. Elvis is known for his dangerous, not suitable for TV dance moves, music, and his signature hair. But did you know his jet-black hair color isn’t natural? His natural hair color is a medium blonde/brown shade, but he started dying his hair after filming “Love Me Tender.” He thought black brought out his facial features better. 3. He only performed in North America. Although Elvis was a worldwide celebrity and rockstar — 40% of his music sales were outside of the U.S. — he never played
5 Facts About Elvis Presley overseas. According to some theories and rumors, Elvis never performed outside of the U.S. (besides a few shows in Canada) because his manager, Colonel Parker, was an undocumented immigrant, and he feared he wouldn’t be able to enter back into the U.S.
4. Elvis is a distant relative to two U.S. presidents.
Genealogists discovered that Elvis is distantly related to Abraham Lincoln and Jimmy Carter. The great-great-grandfather of former President Lincoln was Isaiah Harrison — an ancestor to Elvis. Then, former President Carter was a sixth cousin once removed from Elvis. 5. At first, he wasn’t welcomed in Vegas. If you decide to get married in Vegas, there is a high chance that someone dressed up as Elvis will conduct your ceremony. But while he is now known as a popular icon in Vegas, he wasn’t welcome in the city at first. Many critics in Las Vegas thought Elvis’ style and dance moves were too scandalous for viewers.
AIR FRYER ROASTED SALMON WITH SAUTÉED BALSAMIC SPINACH
Ingredients
• 3 tsp olive oil, divided • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) • 1 1/2 tsp reduced-sodium seafood seasoning • 1/4 tsp pepper • 1 garlic clove, sliced
• Dash of crushed red pepper flakes • 10 cups fresh baby spinach (about 10 oz) • 6 small tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
Directions
1. Preheat air fryer to 450 F. Rub 1 tsp oil over both sides of salmon, then sprinkle with seafood seasoning and pepper. In a greased air fryer basket, place salmon. 2. Cook about 10–12 minutes until fish flakes easily. 3. In a 6-qt stockpot, place remaining oil, garlic, and pepper flakes. Heat over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in tomatoes; heat through. 4. In a small saucepan, bring vinegar to a boil. Cook until vinegar is reduced by half, then remove from heat. 5. Arrange spinach on serving dish. Place salmon over spinach mixture and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
For resources, practice areas, and more, scan the QR code to visit our website, MedlinFirm.com.
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. Do You Remember Driving Manual Cars?
2. Stick to Your New Year’s Resolutions
What Do Immigration Lawyers Do?
3. Elvis Is Related to 2 Former U.S. Presidents
Air Fryer Roasted Salmon With Sautéed Balsamic Spinach
4. How Fantasy Sports Became Popular
A Game With 60 Years of Progress When Did Fantasy Sports Become So Popular?
Fantasy sports continue to grow in popularity every year. It’s rare to meet someone who has never heard of or played in a fantasy sports league. For those unfamiliar, fantasy sports are games where participants build imaginary teams using real-life players. Scores are generated on individual performances from players on your team, so if Tom Brady is on your fantasy team and throws a touchdown in real life, your team also earns points. While it might seem like fantasy sports are a product of the internet, their history actually spans over five decades. Fantasy sports began in 1962 when Wilfred Winkenbach and other members of the Oakland Raiders organization created the initial rules for what would eventually develop into fantasy football. In 1963, the Greater Oakland Professional Pigskin Prognosticators League held the first fantasy football draft; George Blanda was the first
pick. Six years later, the first public fantasy football league opened to Kings X Sports Bar patrons in Oakland. 1980 saw the beginning of fantasy baseball and the Rotisserie scoring system still used today in fantasy baseball, hockey, and basketball. The following year, the MLB went on strike, which caused many sports journalists to write about fantasy baseball in its place, catapulting its popularity. By 1989, over a million people were playing fantasy football. Then the internet became mainstream, allowing even more people to familiarize themselves with fantasy sports. Yahoo launched the first free-to-play fantasy sports platform in 1999, giving more people the opportunity to join a league and learn how to play. ESPN and other sites soon followed suit; by 2006, more than 12 million people were playing fantasy football. When
Facebook and Twitter launched in the early 2000s, people had more platforms to share their opinions, which helped the industry grow. In 2009, FanDuel launched a pay-to-play daily fantasy sports platform that allowed fans to choose players for a specific day or game and place a bet on their lineup. Now, 59 million fantasy sports players participate across the globe, and that number continues to grow. The current global fantasy sports market is estimated to be worth around $22.3 billion and is predicted to rise to $38.6 billion by 2025. If you haven’t played fantasy sports before, now is the time to start. You may just discover a new favorite hobby.
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